ELK GROVE, CA — August is recognized as National Traffic Safety Month and marks the start of back-to-school season, a critical time to raise awareness and encourage safe driving practices to protect parents, guardians and children. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans urge all Californians to remain vigilant and practice driving responsibly on the roads to protect lives and foster safer communities.

As families gear up to return to school, the surge in traffic is expected to affect more than just commute times, particularly for Black communities. According to a recent study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, on a national level, Black people face a passenger vehicle fatality rate 73% higher than their white counterparts. This disparity becomes even more evident as Black individuals experience a pedestrian death rate of 118% higher than white individuals, as well as a 348% higher cycling fatality rate, resulting in the highest overall traffic fatality rate per mile traveled. Here in California, Black pedestrians experience a 65% higher fatality rate compared to their white counterparts.

As students head back to the classroom, parents and residents are reminded to slow down, follow the speed limit and be extra careful driving through school zones. To keep communities safer, OTS and Caltrans offer the following tips to stay safe around schools:

• Slow down and follow the speed limit.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.
• Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.
• Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when available, and crossing at marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals.

If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.

OTS and Caltrans are committed to creating a safer transportation environment for everyone. As part of this effort, they encourage all Californians to be proactive in promoting road safety and to share these tips with family, friends, and neighbors.

Let us all embrace the spirit of National Traffic Safety Month and back-to-school preparations by prioritizing safety on our roads. To learn more about the Go Safely Movement and share your thoughts on traffic safety concerns, visit gosafelyca.org/thegosafelymovement, and follow Go Safely on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @OTS_CA, @GoSafelyCA, and @CaltransHQ.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, the world celebrated Indigenous People’s Day.

In 1994, the United Nations designated Aug. 9, as an annual commemoration of the world’s indigenous people as a way to heighten awareness about challenges faced by Native communities worldwide and to inspire global leaders to protect their rights.

According to the 2020 census, California is home to 110 federally recognized Native American tribes and more than 630,000 people who identify as indigenous or of indigenous descent. This makes California home to the largest indigenous population in the United States.

“It’s important that people who live here in California know the history behind the lands they are staying on,” Kascia Samel, a librarian at the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) told California Black Media.

“The indigenous people are still here fighting for recognition whether it’s to seek more help for the community or to address past histories,” she said.

According to information provided by the AIRC of the LA County Library, the indigenous population in California was 500,000 in 1770. Tragically, the impact of European diseases, reduced this number to between 150,000 – 300,000 by 1849.

In 1851, U.S. Congress negotiated 18 treaties with indigenous Californians that would have left them 7.5 million acres of the state’s total of 100 million acres. Despite this, then Gov. Peter Burnett in his annual address to California state lawmakers stated, “the war of extermination will continue to be waged between the two races until the Indian race becomes extinct must be expected.” The following year, U.S Senators lobbied the Senate to not approve the treaties and settlers drove them from the lands that should have been theirs.

According to the Library of Congress, before the arrival of Europeans to California in the 1500s, the state’s native peoples were dispersed across the state and isolated from each other by language, tribal differences and geology. There were as many as 135 dialects among several tribes that included the the Karok, Maidu, Cahuilleno, Mojave, Yokuts, Pomo, Paiute, and Modoc.
Today, California tribes own about 7% of their unratified treaty territory.

While injustices still persevere, progress has been made culturally for indigenous communities.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is a prime illustration of how Indigenous people have shattered barriers and ascended to the highest echelons of America’s social, economic and political structures.

Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino) achieved a historic milestone in California by becoming the first Native American elected to the California Legislature in 2018. Furthermore, through executive order N-15-19, the state has mandated the release of an annual report to update Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state on the status of the indigenous community so progress can be toward rectifying injustices of the past.

In 2019, Newsom apologized to Native American Californians for the state’s “historical wrongdoings.”

“California must reckon with our dark history,” said Newsom. “California Native American peoples suffered violence, discrimination and exploitation sanctioned by state government throughout its history. We can never undo the wrongs inflicted on the peoples who have lived on this land that we now call California since time immemorial, but we can work together to build bridges, tell the truth about our past and begin to heal deep wounds.”

Ramos applauded Newsom for his action.

“This action will go a long way to start the healing process between the state and Native American communities throughout California,” said Ramos. “This historic acknowledgment by the Governor marks the beginning of a new relationship between the state and the more than 700,000 Native Americans who make the State of California their home.”

Culturally, the general public has gained more access to the contemporary lives of indigenous communities in recent years. Samel credits this to keeping traditions alive and the entertainment industry investing in stories from the community.

“I think there is more media representation. If you look at shows like Reservation Dogs, kid’s shows like Spirit Rangers, there’s a lot more books being published as well. There’s still pow wows going on and other community events happening. This is a great time for people to learn more about indigenous cultures and see how their histories effect our histories.”
This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.”

By Lou K Coleman

Because war is coming to America. China and Russia are already on the grounds of America with weapons ready to go. The warning of an impending crisis. “Run for your lives. Do not stop anywhere in the valley. And don’t look back. Escape to the mountains, or you will die.” [Genesis 19:17]. Destruction will be total. America, like you have never, ever seen her! “In one single hour, her doom [judgment] will overtake her.” [Revelations 18:10]. “In one single hour all her vast wealth will be destroyed — wiped out.” [Revelation 18:17]. As they watched the smoke of her burning …” [Revelations 18:18].

These verses describe a nuclear attack, as only nuclear weapons can annihilate an entire nation in only one hour of one day, with great fire and burning. World War III. It will be the biggest and worst world war ever. Heed God’s Warning NOW! World War III is fast approaching.

Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, [daughter] of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. So, thou, O [daughter] of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore, thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. [Ezekiel 33:1-9].

Heed God’s Warning Now!

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, the Black in School Coalition released the results of its comprehensive survey titled “California Black Voters Perspectives on the Quality of Education for Black Students.”

The coalition commissioned this statewide survey of 1,200 Black voters for the third consecutive year to assess their viewpoints on education funding, school performance, and the biggest challenges facing Black students today.

The Black in School Coalition is a statewide organization that works to improve academic and social outcomes for Black students in California.

The data gathered from the poll is intended to offer policymakers, educators, and other relevant stakeholders’ insights into the education related concerns of Black voters. These insights can be used to help them develop more effective policies and programs to improve the quality of education that Black students receive.

Currently, 70% of Black students are not meeting English language arts standards and 84% are not meeting math standards.

The survey found that 84% of Black voters want education funding to target the lowest performing schools.

Additionally, 71% of Black voters believe that allocating additional money based on student performance would improve education for Black students.

79% of respondents support a legislative proposal to change the way that LCFF is funded by creating a new grant for California’s lowest performing subgroups, including Black students.

50% of respondents do not think that schools in their area are providing quality education for Black students. This finding suggests that Black students are not receiving the same quality of education as their White peers.

93% of respondents think that chronic absenteeism is an urgent problem. This is a major issue for Black students because it can have a devastating impact on their academic achievement.

48% of Black voters disagree that the California legislature is working hard to improve education for Black students. Only 27% of respondents agree that Gov. Newsom is doing enough to improve educational outcomes for Black students.

All of these findings suggest that Black voters in California are deeply concerned about the state of education for Black students.

Dr. Margaret Fortune, President and CEO of Fortune School of Education said during the release of the poll, “I think that the point of this work is to improve the academic performance of all of our students including those that are the lowest performers.”

Brian Rivas with The Education Trust-West and a Black in School Coalition member said in the Coalition’s press release, “Almost half of those surveyed do not believe the California Legislature is working hard to improve education for Black students, and that is a problem. We must do better.”

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and state Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) recently traveled to Kenya to study a universal income program the country utilizes to support one of its most impoverished regions. The goal is to see if a similar program could benefit California residents as well.

In the towns of Kisumu County, Kenya that they visited, residents have received $25 a month for the past five years as part of the world’s largest guaranteed income project. GiveDirectly, the non-profit funding the $30M initiative, disburses millions of dollars to 20,000 individuals residing in 295 villages across the Western and Rift Valley regions of Kenya.

While a similar program in California would look vastly different due to the wide-ranging incomes found in the state, Mitchell and Haney were inspired by aspects of the project. The mobile money distribution system that villagers use allows individuals to receive cash transfers via mobile phone apps without being connected to a bank.

“Cash performs better than some of the other critical services that we in government prioritize,” Mitchell told the LA Times. “We create this cliff effect: if people do what we ask them to do like go to school or get a raise, then we drop them from the social safety net. My dream is for us to rethink the way we administer these programs and create a culture shift and cut some of the red tape.”

Existing programs in California are limited and in early development stages but have been met with support from the Legislature.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, the Gene Hale Foundation, a non-profit based in Los Angeles County, donated $25,000 to the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) Education Scholarship Foundation to support a program designed to assist college-bound students.

The recipients of these scholarships are students all from Los Angeles-area high schools, including Susan Miller Dorsey Dorsey High School, Crenshaw High School, Washington Prep High School, Jordan High School, and Hamilton High School.

Hale and his wife, Crystal Hale, are dedicated philanthropists who support numerous charitable causes.

Hale is currently chair of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce and the Gardena Police Foundation. He also serves on the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Clarence Avant, known for his exceptional ability as a “kingmaker” and deal closer in power circles from Hollywood to Washington died at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Avant, born in Greensboro, N.C., was 92.

“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” read a statement released by his children Alex and Nicole Avant and his son-in-law Ted Sarandos.

“Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss,” the statement continued.

In December of 2021, Avant’s wife, Jacqueline Avant, was shot during a home invasion at the family’s Beverly Hills mansion.

A close friend of Quincy Jones, Avant’s influence impacted the careers of a many celebrities and politicians, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama; Michael Jackson; Jimmy Jam; Snoop Dogg; Terry Lewis; Whitney Houston; Jay-Z, among others.

National In-Home Care Company Introduces Innovative Model to Serve the San Bernardino Community

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — CareBuilders at Home, a leading national in-home care franchise, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest location in San Bernardino, California. Sheila Jones-Lilley will be the first franchisee in Southern California.  This expansion brings high-quality in-home care services to the residents of the Inland Empire where the Jones-Lilley family has resided and raised their three children for the past 30 years.

CareBuilders at Home specializes in developing personalized care plans tailored to the unique needs of each client. With services ranging from mobility assistance and medication compliance to hygiene support, CareBuilders at Home ensures that clients receive the assistance they require for daily living.

Jones-Lilley has dedicated her life to helping others. She has been an occupational therapist for more than 30 years as well as a senior care coordinator since 2014.  For her, providing care is second nature, but the need for in-home care became abundantly clear to her when she and her husband, Myron, began caring for his uncle and her mother.

“Taking care of my mom and uncle from a distance made me realize that you need someone in person. You need eyes, ears, and hands to help in the home, to make sure that the care you set up is being provided,” Jones-Lilley said. “I realize there is a great need for in-home care in our area, and nothing gives me more personal satisfaction than knowing I met the needs of someone else, and they can have a better quality of life because of the work I’ve done.”

The demand for in-home care services is rapidly increasing, and CareBuilders at Home is committed to meeting this demand by expanding its presence in local communities across the nation. Jones-Lilley’s new location will provide in-home care and beyond to Southern California—a state that holds more than a dozen metro areas in a recent USA Today list of U.S. cities where people live the longest. IBISWorld reports the U.S. market size for home care providers, based on revenue, was nearly $130 billion in 2022.

CareBuilders at Home offers more than in-home care. Clients can also participate in their innovative Wellness Program, which offers virtual caregiving, allowing family members to connect with their loved ones through a device linked to a standard television.

“We are delighted to welcome Sheila to the CareBuilders at Home family. Her background in the medical field, combined with her commitment to providing outstanding service, makes her the ideal leader for our new location,” said David Savitsky, Founder and CEO of CareBuilders at Home. “We continuously strive to listen to our clients’ needs and find innovative ways to meet them, and Sheila will be instrumental in driving our future success.”

Jones-Lilley said she is opening a CareBuilders at Home franchise to continue her passion for helping others, make a good living and have the potential to leave a legacy for her children. The CareBuilders at Home-Inland Empire franchise will open in the summer of 2023 to serve the community with compassion and expertise.

Join a Growing Franchise Family

CareBuilders at Home is seeking qualified candidates who are mission-oriented and want to help individuals live a better life. With locations currently across the United States, CareBuilders at Home looks to bring on new franchise owners to support the company’s expansion plan.

To learn more about the franchise opportunities with CareBuilders at Home visit https://carebuildersfranchise.com/

Background of a Family Business

More than 30 years ago, David and Stephen Savitsky founded their first home care business, wanting to give back to their community and provide quality care for people in need. Their company was called Tender Loving care, which has evolved over the years through name changes, but the mission for the company and two brothers has always been: To provide dignity and care to senior citizens, people with disabilities, and anyone else who might need the services of qualified home care franchise specialists.

David and Stephen Savitsky now run ATC Healthcare Services, a healthcare staffing franchise system.  CareBuilders at Home is the home care division of their company, allowing the company to grow and provide a wealth of care to individuals across the nation.

The family dynamic at CareBuilders at Home does not stop with the brothers. Avi Savitsky, the son of Stephen Savitsksy, is the Director of Franchise Strategy. It was a position he had to earn through experience. Before he worked in the home office, he was a franchise owner.

About CareBuilders at Home

CareBuilders at Home is a fast-growing national franchise which provides comprehensive non-medical home health care solutions to enhance the lives of individuals across the nation.

The company offers a wide range of services individualized to meet the needs of clients including errands, light housekeeping, and medication compliance. In addition to the support given to older Americans, the company also assists those who are physically or developmentally disabled, recovering from illness or surgery, and new moms.

The CareBuilders at Home franchise opportunity allows entrepreneurs to be a part of the lucrative home care industry, while being able to give back and help clients. CareBuilders at Home franchise partners have access to the company’s exclusive Virtual Caregiver platform.

The company is the only home care franchise in to handle all back-office services for franchise partners including payroll, billing, and collections.

For more information on the CareBuilders at Home franchise opportunity, visit?https://carebuildersfranchise.com/.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The 56th Beautillion Scholarship Program culminated on April 1, 2023, at California State University, San Bernardino. Master of Ceremonies, Raafi Bell, Principal at Hardy Brown College Prep and 2004 Beautillion Sir Knight tied the past fifty-five Beautillion themes into an empowering history of the Beautillion, closing with this year’s theme, “I AM…Changing the Narrative.” Keynote Speaker was Lawrence Charles Hardy, Equity & Targeted Student Achievement Program Specialist/Family Engagement with the San Bernardino County Unified School District. Lawrence emphasized the importance of higher education and giving back to the community in which you live. Russel Ward, Alumni 1984, choreographed the dance routines, propelling the audience to stand, dance, and celebrate.

Jermaine Isaiah Moreno, a San Gorgonio High School senior, was named Sir Knight 2023 at the Beautillion Scholarship Awards presentation sponsored by the Social Lites, Inc. of the Inland Empire. Jermaine received over $15,000 in scholarships, computers, and awards for the prestigious title of Sir Knight. In the fall, he is attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, majoring in Psychology.

Shannon Williams II was 1st Runner-Up receiving over $10,000 in scholarships and awards. Shannon is a student from the high desert and the first person in his family to go to college. K’Miles Davis was 2nd Runner-Up, receiving over $8,000 in scholarships and awards, and was voted Mr. Congeniality by his peers. Davion Boyd-Phenix received the $4,000 President’s Scholarship Award. Jordan Evans received the $2,000 Beautillion Alumni Scholarship Award.

In addition to scholarships and awards, each young man received a proclamation from Joe Baca, California State Assembly Member, U.S. House Representative Pete Aguilar, Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, Colton Mayor Frank J. Navarro, and San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran.

Social Lites, Inc.’s inaugural Trailblazer Award was presented to Damon Alexander, Seventh Ward City Council Member, and Alaina Matthews was given the Philanthropic Award for her unwavering generosity to the Social Lites, Inc., Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader Award. Also, thank you, San Bernardino County Board Member Dr. Gwendoyln Dowdy-Rogers, San Bernardino Unified School District Police Department, Chief Joseph Paulino, and Battalion Chief of Los Angeles Fire Department David Reddix for their unwavering support.

As we have concluded the 56th Beautillion, The Social Lites, Inc., of the Inland Empire, is preparing for its 57th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program, “A Moment of Greatness,” to be held at California State University, San Bernardino, on March 30, 2024. The first Beautillion briefing will be held at the Center for Youth and Community Development, on September 10, 2023, from 2 pm-3:30 pm. We encourage high school senior young men to attend and explore opportunities to invest in their future. The program has prepared over five hundred young men to enter the college or university of their choice and has raised and awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships.  For additional information, please contact Stephanie Newman, Beautillion Chair at (909) 990-6462, Donna Little-James, Beautillion Co-Chair at (909) 528-9793, or Marlene Davis, Public Affairs at (909) 709-5502.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media  

A new report released by the California Department of Justice warns of the danger of ghost guns (weapons assembled at home that have no serial numbers.) The weapons cannot be traced, making them a go-to for criminals who want to operate under the radar of law enforcement.

Over the past few years, the use of ghost guns has surged as people have been able to make them by producing gun parts with 3-D printers.

According to the California Department of Justice report, from 2020-21, the use of ghost guns jumped by about 10,000, from 13,000 to 23,000 incidents. However, the use of ghost guns recently decreased to about 21,000 incidents per year.

Since 2016, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) has been a vocal opponent of ghost guns, pointing to the many threats they pose.  Gipson said many Americans are unaware of the danger of ghost guns. This year, he authored Assembly Bill 1089, which bans the sale, purchase and possession of ghost gun technology.

The bill is currently under review in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“Irresponsible companies have continued to sell machines that are explicitly designed as ghost gun manufacturing machines while deceptively claiming that these machines do not have the ‘primary’ purpose of manufacturing firearms,” according to a factsheet from Gipson’s office.

Existing law in California prohibits persons or corporations from manufacturing or assembling firearms that are not imprinted with a valid state or federal serial number.

“These companies fail to inform buyers that it is now unlawful in California to use these machines to produce firearms without a firearm manufacturer’s license.

Additionally, while California law currently prohibits unlicensed manufacturers from using a 3-D printer to produce firearms, state law does not regulate the sale of 3-D printers that are designed or marketed as ghost gun manufacturing 3-D printers,” according to Gipson’s office’s factsheet.

Gipson represents the 65th Assembly district that covers cities such as Willowbrook, Compton, Long Beach and parts of Los Angeles. His district has been plagued with gun violence arising from both registered and unregistered firearms.

In many cases, people who can’t get legal guns, because they don’t want to go through background checks, turn to ghost guns. And they are often used for nefarious purposes. Black and brown people are the main victims, according to Gipson.

“This is a health issue,” he said.

Ghost guns have been used in several California mass shootings. In 2022, David Mora, a father-of-three was banned from possessing a gun because of his criminal record. He later went on a gun rampage in Sacramento County, shooting his three children and a social worker. The gun was created with a 3-D printer.

According to Gipson, statistics show that one of the most dangerous times for shootings is between Friday and Monday.

He also stated that legislation on ghost guns was needed because technology is moving faster than the law.

“Technology has advanced faster than policies and bills,” he said.

Gipson isn’t the only legislator who has taken action on ghost guns.

Senate Bill (SB)1327, authored by Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-San Fernando Valley,) and approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom, allows Californians to sue people who manufacture, transport and distribute ghost guns for up to $10,000.

“Our message to the criminals spreading illegal weapons in California is simple: you have no safe harbor here in the Golden State,” Newsom said in a speech at Santa Monica College, the site of a 2014 mass shooting that killed six people.

“As the U.S. Supreme Court expands the right to own guns, California continues to add new ways to restrict them. California will use every tool at its disposal to save lives, especially in the face of an increasingly extreme Supreme Court,” said Newsom in a press statement.